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Project: Federalized Capri that was de-federalized and updated.

Might as well make a thread for the new project, not that it is a project, it's already pretty much finished.

Long story short, we went out to Idaho and picked up a '77 Ford Capri II...that was sold as a federal model (gross).

The owner before the previous owner attempted to remedy this somewhat, and at the same time upgraded it to the Mk3 look.

It's not quite right, Euro bumper fitment isn't the greatest, front fenders are still Mk2, so is the front valence. The rear side markers give it away. The horrible federal Escort rearview mirrors have got to go.

What it does have going for it is that it is completely rust-free, has a nice looking paint job (some Porsche color, can someone figure out what it is?), and the lovely interior of a British Mk3.

It also has a freshened-up 2.8, and some new parts in the steering department. It does need some minor mechanical work, mostly brakes.

On to some pictures:

It had a little friend tag along for the ride, a true German market Mk3...but alas, that one isn't mine.

I really like seeing these old Euro Fords making their way into the country.

Same here. I've seen a few Mk3 Capris pop up for sale here and there over the last few years. But all of them have been RHD. Does anyone know if there's a reason for that? Cheaper to buy/ship? I can't imagine why anyone would import anything RHD...it just sucks to drive those things on the other side of the road.

there are probably more RHD cars from that era than not (?).. plus there's the extra "ooh, it's RHD" factor that some people go for

The Capri did last a couple of years longer in the UK, but that's a tiny market. They do have a large following in the UK though. But I'm sure Capris are still a lot more common in mainland Europe. I can understand the RHD factor on something that's JDM, but not on anything European, unless it's pre-WW2.

Turns out I was sent smoked headlight covers...so now I have a set of smoked AND clears.

Not much to report. Changed the hatch lift supports over from a loop design to an easier to find ball-stud design. Ford EXP lift supports work, kind of. Sure beats getting hit in the head with the hatch that has to weigh 100 pounds.

Installed Euro headlights and changed the car over to a black grille and headlight surrounds.

Replaced some of the non-operating gauges. All of them are now functional (a rare feat for a German car, I know)

While I was at it, I upgraded the dash lighting to LED. These cars had notoriously dim illumination, even when new.

Engine bay received a scrub-down.

The headers it came with are of absolute horrendous quality. I replaced these "gaskets" with remflex, but I'm going to have to remove the headers and plane the flanges.
I think there was a slight exhaust leak...